Primary School Cancels Easter Celebration to Promote Inclusivity

[cjinchiangrai]

2 hours ago, ChicagoExpat said:

The intellectual has entered the conversation.

Yes he did, listen and learn.

[Wrwest]

2 hours ago, JonnyF said:

Inclusive.

 

By excluding a Christian celebration.

 

Sounds about right...

You may not be picking up on the historical irony here. Yes, it is a revered Christian Celebration but its roots? Like many Christian holidays, the timing and some aspects of the holiday as celebrated in society have distinct pagan derivations ... Rabbits? Eggs?. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Easter-holiday

[cjinchiangrai]

1 hour ago, Chomper Higgot said:

I think you’ll agree, the English counties are not in the Middle East or Thailand.

And doesn't have a state religion. The state religion in the UK started with no credibility and has only declined since.

 

Maybe by examining other religious events, say Shivanatra, it might bring further clarity to the christian ceremonies.

[madone]

3 hours ago, Social Media said:

Additionally, she noted that the school would be celebrating Refugee Week in June.  

 
if i were involved, this would send me. 

mustcall the easter parade the spring parade if you musty, let the kids get on with it 

[Bert got kinky]

1 hour ago, Geoffggi said:

 

To make things equal they should ban all forms of religious celebrations & teachings 

 

But how would they then be able to control the masses?

 

[2long]

If they cancel ALL religious activities, LBGTQ+ and Women's Day etc, then fine. Good idea.

It has to be all or nothing.

[cmsally]

Letter in full - Stephanie Mander headteacher at Norwood Primary School:

"Dear Parents and Carers,

"As we approach the spring season, I would like to inform you about an important update regarding our school's traditional Easter celebrations.

"After careful consideration and discussions with our school community, we have decided not to hold the Easter Bonnet Parade or the Easter Service this year. This decision has been made in the spirit of inclusivity and respect for the diverse religious beliefs, represented within our school community.

 

"Our school is committed to fostering an environment where every child feels valued and respected, regardless of their religious background. By not holding specific religious celebrations, we aim to create a more inclusive atmosphere that honours and respects the beliefs of all our children and their families.

"We understand that this change may be disappointing for some, especially those who have cherished these traditions over the years. However, we believe that this decision aligns with our values of inclusivity and respect for diversity. We are exploring alternative ways to celebrate the season in future years, that will be inclusive of all children and reflect the rich cultural diversity of our community.

"One of the ways we will be celebrating inclusivity is by taking part in Refugee Week which occurs in June, as well as beginning our journey to become an accredited School of Sanctuary. Watch this space! In the meantime, we look forward to seeing many of you at the Music Festival in a couple of weeks.

 

"We appreciate your understanding and support as we make this transition. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the school office.

"Thank you for your continued support."

 

It seems that the objective is to become a "School of Sanctuary" which involves subsidising refugees/migrants/ undocumented children. Basically filling the school system with people from overseas. What could possibly go wrong!

[BangkokReady]

5 minutes ago, cmsally said:

Our school is committed to fostering an environment where every child feels valued and respected, regardless of their religious background.

 

And how do they plan to do this?  By discriminating against White Christians and pandering to minorities!

 

It's sad, but it seems that as with diversity (which really means no White people), inclusivity is following a racist and backwards logic (only including non-White people).

[Chomper Higgot]

9 minutes ago, cmsally said:

Letter in full - Stephanie Mander headteacher at Norwood Primary School:

"Dear Parents and Carers,

"As we approach the spring season, I would like to inform you about an important update regarding our school's traditional Easter celebrations.

"After careful consideration and discussions with our school community, we have decided not to hold the Easter Bonnet Parade or the Easter Service this year. This decision has been made in the spirit of inclusivity and respect for the diverse religious beliefs, represented within our school community.

 

"Our school is committed to fostering an environment where every child feels valued and respected, regardless of their religious background. By not holding specific religious celebrations, we aim to create a more inclusive atmosphere that honours and respects the beliefs of all our children and their families.

"We understand that this change may be disappointing for some, especially those who have cherished these traditions over the years. However, we believe that this decision aligns with our values of inclusivity and respect for diversity. We are exploring alternative ways to celebrate the season in future years, that will be inclusive of all children and reflect the rich cultural diversity of our community.

"One of the ways we will be celebrating inclusivity is by taking part in Refugee Week which occurs in June, as well as beginning our journey to become an accredited School of Sanctuary. Watch this space! In the meantime, we look forward to seeing many of you at the Music Festival in a couple of weeks.

 

"We appreciate your understanding and support as we make this transition. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the school office.

"Thank you for your continued support."

 

It seems that the objective is to become a "School of Sanctuary" which involves subsidising refugees/migrants/ undocumented children. Basically filling the school system with people from overseas. What could possibly go wrong!

The evidence you’ve just presented suggests schools you attended didn’t teach comprehension.

[BangkokReady]

22 minutes ago, 2long said:

If they cancel ALL religious activities, LBGTQ+ and Women's Day etc, then fine. Good idea.

It has to be all or nothing.

 

Although they aren't religious, it does seem logical to say that all cultural/ideological activities should be cancelled.  Otherwise, they're basically discriminating against people based on their beliefs.  Plenty of people will be offended or feel excluded whenever there is a cultural day that doesn't represent them.  If they only target Christians, they are discriminating against one group based on ideology.

[Chomper Higgot]

2 minutes ago, BangkokReady said:

 

And how do they plan to do this?  By discriminating against White Christians and pandering to minorities!

 

It's sad, but it seems that as with diversity (which really means no White people), inclusivity is following a racist and backwards logic (only including non-White people).

Once again it’s a non religious school.

 

Hosting Christian celebrations is discriminating in favor of Christian pupils and against those who are not Christian.

 

The non religious status of the school requires no religious ceremonies.

 

[BangkokReady]

Just now, Chomper Higgot said:

Once again it’s a non religious school.

 

Once again, they said they celebrate other religious festivals.  You're wrong, again.  🤷‍♂️

 

Just now, Chomper Higgot said:

Hosting Christian celebrations is discriminating in favor of Christian pupils and against those who are not Christian.

 

No one is suggesting they should.  Again, spewing nonsense from you ideology hole.  🙄

 

Just now, Chomper Higgot said:

The non religious status of the school requires no religious ceremonies.

 

They said that they celebrate other religious festivals.  If they cancel all the rest, then that's fine.  If they don't then they are discriminating. 

 

It's all very simple.  I'm not sure how you cannot understand it.  Oh wait, yes I am!  🤦‍♂️

[Chomper Higgot]

14 minutes ago, BangkokReady said:

 

Once again, they said they celebrate other religious festivals.  You're wrong, again.  🤷‍♂️

 

 

No one is suggesting they should.  Again, spewing nonsense from you ideology hole.  🙄

 

 

They said that they celebrate other religious festivals.  If they cancel all the rest, then that's fine.  If they don't then they are discriminating. 

 

It's all very simple.  I'm not sure how you cannot understand it.  Oh wait, yes I am!  🤦‍♂️

Clearly the school website is not up to date.

 

I’m sure it will be updated.

 

Yes I agree, remove all religious festivals from the school.

 

I understand the first on the calendar ahead is Easter.

[ChicagoExpat]

2 hours ago, cjinchiangrai said:

Yes he did, listen and learn.

Literally nothing I can learn from anyone who says something that stupid.  Or those who support something that stupid.

[cjinchiangrai]

Just now, ChicagoExpat said:

Literally nothing I can learn from anyone who says something that stupid.  Or those who support something that stupid.

Another xtian cultist. Got it.

[ChicagoExpat]

3 minutes ago, cjinchiangrai said:

Another xtian cultist. Got it.

"xtian" isn't a word.

 

Another atheist cultist.  Got it.

[Freddy42OZ]

4 hours ago, JonnyF said:

 

Would you expect the same of a school in the middle east? They should ban Islamic celebrations? Should they also ban Buddhist celebrations in Thailand so as to not offend us expats or Christian/Islamic Thais?

 

Or does this only apply to those bad Western countries?

 

Britain is a Christian country. People who are offended by that are free to go back to whatever place they came from.  

Not many Christians in Islamic Schools in the Middle East, but there are Christian Schools. 

Thailand constitutionally guarantees religious freedom, prohibiting discrimination based on belief, and recognizes Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, and Sikhism. While Buddhism is promoted, the constitution doesn't designate a state religion, and the exercise of religious freedom is protected as long as it doesn't harm state security. 

Either way, its 2025 and humans no longer need to be scared of the unknown, we no longer need to attribute storms, disease, famine etc to a god figure.   

Religion should be wiped from society.  

[WDSmart]

I agree with the idea behind this cancellation, but I'd rather see the celebration of ALL religions' holidays than none at all.

[sungod]

Cancel book week too, it upsets kids who cant read.

[BexMan]

4 hours ago, Chomper Higgot said:

It’s a non religious school.

 

Why do you, or indeed anyone, expect religious celebrations in a non religious school?

 

Yes, but religious school or not, the event has been held annually. The article also states that the school,

 

“ recognizes and celebrates significant cultural and religious events throughout the year, including Eid, Diwali, Christmas, and Easter. The site states: “At these times the school welcomes in members of the wider school community to lead assemblies and learning activities with the children to share their beliefs with them.”  

so they are actually going against the school ethos by cancelling it.

 

Before some Head teacher makes a decision that affects the whole school, perhaps it would have been better to sound the parents out at a parents evening. If I had kids attending a non religious school in Thailand and they held Buddhist events, I would not expect the school to cancel the events. I would encourage my kids to watch the event and respect the tradition.

 

 

 

[BusyB]

7 hours ago, Social Media said:

Another individual shared their disapproval in a local Facebook group, saying: “I would have thought it best to celebrate everything, not nothing.”  

 

 

Exactly. A superb solution for all.

 

I know being the head is a tough job. I know that 'cos they had to deal with me once, and my parting words at age 15 would get me modded out.

 

But how did this person get to be in charge of a school with such hopeless ethical and decision making skills?

[Dionigi]

If the christians are not upset by a pagan festival of renewal then neither should the rest

[Bkk Brian]

3 hours ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Once again it’s a non religious school.

 

Hosting Christian celebrations is discriminating in favor of Christian pupils and against those who are not Christian.

 

The non religious status of the school requires no religious ceremonies.

 

It doesn't have to say its a non religious school, that's just deflection from you It observes Christmas and Easter holidays, it celebrated Christmas events a few moths ago. The UK is a Christian country even though not all identify as such.

 

Concerns were also raised by those living in Eastleigh.

For Hugo Pasha, decisions like this create “hate and resentment” among communities.

Commenting on the Daily Echo Facebook page, Hugo said: “I say this as a Muslim, we live in a multicultural society, actions like this are what causes resentment, division and negativity between people from different groups of faith.

“It does nothing to help inclusivity if it leaves any religious customs out.

“If this is a school’s view, what would happen if we ended up at a point where they consider cancelling Easter holidays because not all people observe it in the name of inclusivity?”

 

https://x.com/SuellaBraverman/status/1903756340473835693

 

[Chomper Higgot]

4 hours ago, JAG said:

Yet it claims on its website to celebrate Eid, Diwali, Christmas and Easter.

 

It is only a "strawman" (itself derived from a pagan celebration) if Eid and Diwali are also to be no longer acknowledged. That rather remains to be seen.

Did you notice that the website is at odds with the announcement, refer text of letter quoted above.

 

 

[Bkk Brian]

15 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Did you notice that the website is at odds with the announcement, refer text of letter quoted above.

 

 

Another priceless deflection.........

[Sir Dude]

UK is a Christian country... no-one cancels Ramadan or Diwali in case it offends. This is all a concerted effort on the behalf of the amorphous blob entity that wants everything erased that is culturally western, but hasn't the sand to do the same for the minorities. Calling BS on this one... idiots, should be fired for needlessly creating division and polarization in society. More far-left social engineering and brainwashing for the morons to lap up.

[Cameroni]

We will now celebrate a festivus for the rest of us!

[JAG]

28 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Did you notice that the website is at odds with the announcement, refer text of letter quoted above.

 

 

I did. You may call me a cynic, but I don't share your conviction that this school, or more specifically it's headteacher, will face up to "cancelling" Eid or Divali. As I said, let us wait and see.

[Bkk Brian]

Interesting, more headlines from another school in the same town from just 4 days ago.

 

'Senseless' suspected arson attack on preschool

Ms Durie said: "Little Owls Preschool is more than just a place of education - it is a sanctuary where children build confidence, curiosity, and a love for the natural world.

"The impact of this fire reaches far beyond the physical damage; it has deeply affected the children, families, and staff who cherish this unique learning environment."

The charity is now appealing for public donations to "help cover costs of replacing everything that was lost so they can get up and running as quickly as possible".

Ms Durie said there "would inevitably be a significant shortfall" despite potential insurance pay-outs, but said she was hopeful that the community would "rally round to help".

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckg84eng198o

[BusyB]

4 hours ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Clearly the school website is not up to date.

 

I’m sure it will be updated.

 

Yes I agree, remove all religious festivals from the school.

 

I understand the first on the calendar ahead is Easter.

 

I understand the school is non-religious. Great!

 

But it would encourage a lot of learning and understanding if it were to at least acknowledge and carry out some of the rituals of various religious festivals. Kids love choccy Easter eggs or Christmas pudding. Water pistol fights on sports day for Songkhran? I guess noone would enjoy a school day without food during Ramadan, but they could celebrate Eid al-Fitr with a huge oriental food party ... the possibilities are limitless.

 

Unless you've got a boxed in mind and shouldn't be taking these decisions.

 

Just to make it clear: I have no time for any of these superstitions for all the usual reasons. But they are part of human history and culture and can be woven into history, geography and literature lessons. So too actually living some of the rituals as part of community projects.